U.S. patent application number 09/740472 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for side switched flat illuminator.
Invention is credited to Chen, Yu-Hsin, Krietzman, Mark Howard.
Application Number | 20010030858 09/740472 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27497032 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010030858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krietzman, Mark Howard ; et
al. |
October 18, 2001 |
Side switched flat illuminator
Abstract
A flat card shaped illuminator with an on/off switch integrally
formed therein. The flat card shaped light is adapted to a variety
of uses and the on/off switch may be momentary or latching. One or
more LEDs may be incorporated therein and the batteries may be
removable.
Inventors: |
Krietzman, Mark Howard;
(Palos Verdes Estates, CA) ; Chen, Yu-Hsin; (Palos
Verdes Estates, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark H. Krietzman
P.O. Box 3185
Palos Verdes
CA
90274
US
|
Family ID: |
27497032 |
Appl. No.: |
09/740472 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60172985 |
Dec 20, 1999 |
|
|
|
60202894 |
May 10, 2000 |
|
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60253188 |
Nov 27, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/612 ;
362/184; 362/189; 362/200; 362/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21L 4/027 20130101;
F21L 4/005 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21V 23/0414 20130101;
E05B 17/103 20130101; E05B 19/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/31 ; 362/184;
362/98; 362/189; 362/200 |
International
Class: |
F21V 033/00 |
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A flat illuminator comprising: A flat substantially planar
plastic body with a front face, a back face, and with a thickness
between about 1 millimeters and about 3.5 millimeters; One or more
light emitting diodes (LEDs) affixed to, or within said
substantially planar plastic body which do not extended or protrude
beyond said edge thickness; an on/off switch integrally formed as a
flexible region of the plastic body; a battery power supply mounted
within said plastic body which does not protrude beyond said edge
thickness; and, a series of contacts switchably connecting said
battery power supply, via said on/off switch, to said one or more
light emitting diodes.
2. The flat illuminator of claim 1 in which the battery is a single
lithium "button" battery between 10 mm - 30 mm in diameter with a
thickness between about 0.4 mm and about 0.3 mm.
3. The flat illuminator of claim 1 further comprising a resistor
affixed between said lithium battery and said one or more light
emitting diodes.
4. The flat illuminator of claim 1 in which the battery power
supply is two or more lithium "button" batteries connected in
series with a total voltage between 6 and 48 volts.
5. The flat illuminator of claim 1 in wherein the wavelength of the
light emitted by said one or more LEDs is substantially within one
color of the visible spectral region.
6. The flat illuminator of claim 1 in wherein the wavelength of the
one or more LEDs are all substantially in the blue spectral
region.
7. The flat illuminator of claim 1 in wherein the wavelength of the
one or more LEDs are all substantially in the non-visible spectral
region.
8. The flat illuminator of claim 1 further comprising a lens formed
integrally as part of each LED with a fan angle of between 4 and 20
degrees.
9. The flat illuminator card light of claim 1 wherein the battery
power supply is non-removable.
10. The flat illuminator card light of claim 1 wherein the battery
power supply is replaceable.
11. The flat illuminator card light of claim 10 further comprising:
a battery-receiving pocket formed in the edge of said plastic body,
whereby the battery power supply is removably inserted and placed
in contact with said series of contacts ; and, a cover which
removable closes off said battery-receiving pocket.
12. The flat illuminator card light of claim 10 further comprising:
a battery-receiving pocket formed in one of said front face and
said bottom faces whereby the battery power supply is removably
inserted and placed in contact with said series of contacts; a
cover which removable closes off said battery-receiving pocket;
and, a cover contact which connects said battery power supply when
said cover is closed.
13. The flat illuminator card light of claim 1, further comprising
a magnet affixed to one side of the plastic body whereby the flat
card light may be affixed to a metal surface.
14. A flat illuminator comprising: a flat substantially flat and
rectangular plastic body with an edge having a thickness between
about 1.0 mm and about 3.5 mm; one or more light emitting diodes
(LED) affixed to, or within said edge which do extended or protrude
beyond said edge thickness with an anode and cathode contact
extending; a lens formed integrally as part of said one or more
light emitting diode which is at a fan angle of between 5 and 15
degrees; a 6-12 volt button battery power supply mounted within
said plastic body which does not protrude beyond said edge
thickness; an on/off switch further comprising: a first switch
contact which is conductively linked to a first battery contact on
the positive terminal of said battery power supply; a second switch
contact which is conductively linked to said cathode contact of
said one or more light emitting diodes; a flexible leg supporting
said second switch contact, whereby the movement of said flexible
leg places the first and second switch contacts together; and, a
second battery contact against the negative terminal of said
battery power supply and conductively linked to said anode contact
of said one or more light emitting diodes.
15. The flat illuminator of claim 14 wherein the on/off switch is
dual function and able to act as a momentary switch or a steady
"on" switch.
16. The flat illuminator of claim 15 wherein the on/off switch
further comprising an angular contact edge extending from said
first and second switch contacts, whereby the angular contact edges
are angled backwards and are adapted to be placed either in
momentary contact or urged past one another and caught in an "on"
position.
17. The flat illuminator of claim 15 wherein the on/off switch
further comprising: a positioning hook formed on said flexible leg;
and, a switching catch formed on said plastic body adapted to
receive said positioning hook.
18. The flat illuminator of claim 14 further comprising a resistor
affixed between said lithium battery power supply and said one or
more light emitting diodes.
19. The flat illuminator of claim 14 wherein the wavelength of said
one or more light emitting diodes is substantially in the visible
spectral region.
20. The flat card light of claim 14 wherein the lithium battery
power supply is two stacked batteries with a diameter between 15-30
mm diameter and a thickness between about 0.4 mm - 0.5 mm connected
to one LED.
21. The flat card light of claim 14 wherein the lithium battery
power supply is two side by side batteries with a diameter between
10 mm - 35 mm diameter and a thickness between 0.4 mm - 3.0 mm
connected to one LED.
22. The flat illuminator card light of claim 14 wherein the battery
power supply is removably mounted within said plastic body.
23. The flat illuminator card light of claim 14 wherein said edge
is tapered, whereby the card light is more easily slipped into a
wallet.
24. A flat credit card shaped illuminator comprising: a
substantially planar plastic body further comprising, a
substantially rectangular bottom face, and a side wall formed
around said bottom face with a thickness between approximately 1.0
mm and 3.5 mm, forming an open cavity; one or more light emitting
diodes (LED) affixed to said plastic body which does not extended
or protrude beyond said side wall thickness with an anode and
cathode contact; a lens formed integrally as part of each LED which
is at a fan angle of between 5 and 15 degrees; a lithium button
battery power supply mounted removably within a battery receiving
holder within said plastic body; a momentary on/off switch further
comprising, a first switch contact which is conductively linked to
a first battery contact on the positive terminal of said battery
power supply, and a second switch contact which is conductively
linked to said cathode contact of said one or more light emitting
diodes, and a flexible leg supporting said second switch contact,
whereby the movement of said flexible leg momentarily places the
first and second switch contacts together, and a second battery
contact against the negative terminal of said battery power supply
and conductively linked to said anode contact of said one or more
light emitting diodes; a flat cover adapted to mate with said
credit card shaped illuminator and cover said open cavity.
24. The flat credit card shaped illuminator card light of claim 23
wherein said flat cover is removably affixed, whereby the battery
power supply may be replaced.
25. The flat illuminator of claim 14 wherein information may be
stenciled on to said plastic body.
26. The flat illuminator of claim 14 further comprising an inset
shelf formed between said bottom and said side wall, whereby when
said cover is affixed thereto it is substantially even with the top
of said side wall.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The invention claims the benefit, under Title 35, United
States Code 119(e), of Provisional Applications: No. 60/172985,
filed Dec. 20, 1999, entitled "Flat Illuminator", No. 60/202894,
filed May 10, 2000, entitled "Flat Illuminator"; and, number
60/253188, file Nov. 27, 2000, entitled "Flat Illuminator".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 2. Field of the Invention
[0003] This present invention relates to a credit card sized
flashlight with a flat surface. More particularly to a plastic card
light which illuminates with one or more light-emitting diodes
"LEDs" which are no wider than the side wall of the flat light,
with a momentary and/or latching switch integrally formed
therein.
[0004] 2. The Prior Art
[0005] A recent card light found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,990
assigned to the Eveready Battery Company illustrates how a single
"button" battery may be sandwiched between the anode and cathode of
a circular LED integrated into a switching mechanism. The circular
LED protrudes beyond the top and bottom edges of the card light
encasement
[0006] Another prior art planar flashlight is found in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,934,789, issued to Sinclair et. al., which teaches a large
relatively planar disposable flashlight. The Sinclair flashlight
uses is the size of a deck of playing card and will not fit in the
credit card slot of a wallet.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] The invention herein is a truly flat credit card flashlight.
The card light may be disposable with the battery supply fixed
within the card light housing (FIGS. 1 & 2) or the card light
may have replaceable batteries with a slot, panel or door allowing
access to the battery supply (FIGS. 4, 6 & 7). The nature of
the plastic body forming the card light is taken into account when
integrating a momentary on/off switch therein. The switch may also
latch (FIGS. 5 & 7) for a constant "on" mode. Within the scope
of the invention is the use of multiple LEDs and a variety of
battery configurations. Advertising and/or information may be
stenciled onto the flat card light (FIG. 1) and magnets (FIG. 3A)
may be incorporated into the body for mounting or hands free
operation.
[0008] The features of the invention believed to be novel are set
forth with particularity in the appended claim. The invention
itself, however, both as to configuration, and method of operation,
and the advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to
the following specification, abstract, claims and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the
flat card light.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a side view of the preferred embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 1C is a rear view of the preferred embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 1D is a front view of the preferred embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of a first alternate embodiment of the
flat card light.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a top view of an uncovered second alternate
embodiment of the flat card light.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a top view of the cover for the embodiment of
FIG. 3A.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of a third alternate embodiment of the
flat card light.
[0017] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a first latching switch for
the flat card light in the "off" position.
[0018] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the latching of FIG. 5A in
the "on" position.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth alternate
embodiment of the flat card light.
[0020] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a fifth alternate
embodiment of the flat card light.
[0021] FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A.
[0022] FIG. 7C is a close-up view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A
showing a second embodiment of a latching switch.
[0023] FIG. 7D is a close-up view of the embodiment of FIG. 7C in
the momentary "on" position.
[0024] FIG. 7E is a close-up view of the embodiment of FIG. 7C in
the latched "on" position.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0025] Illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, are top, front, rear
and side views of the preferred embodiment of the flat card light
generally designated 10 and constructed on a planar plastic body
11A with an edge thickness between about 1.0 mm and about 3.5 mm,
tapered or beveled around some or all of the periphery 11B and
shaped to fit within the credit card slot of a wallet and has a
front edge 12 and a back edge 13. Formed integrally in the back
edge 13 is a horizontal pressure switch 14. The switch 14 lays flat
and does not exceed the thickness of the plastic body 11. A switch
guide 15 is formed, or die-cut, in the plastic body 11. A first
switch contact 16 and a second switch contact 17 are affixed on
opposite side of the switch guide 15. A flexible switching arm 18
is formed on one side of the switch guide 15 which is sufficiently
flexible whereby the switching arm 18 and the first switching
contact 16, affixed thereon, may be momentarily displaced into
contact with the second switching contact 17 thereby powering the
LED 100. The first and second switching contacts 16 and 17 are
formed of a metallic material suitable for conducting electricity
such as tin, steel, iron, copper, brass, or titanium. A light well
19 may also be formed in the front edge 12 wherein a flat LED 100
is affixed. A flat LED suitable for use with the flat illuminator
is an "ESM-3070" series LED, manufactured by Elekon Industries, in
Torrance, Calif., which has a side thickness of 1.2
millimeters.
[0026] The power supply for the flat illuminator is a "button" type
lithium battery 200 such as a CR 2016, or CR 2405, manufactured by
Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (Panasonic). In this
preferred embodiment a stacked pair of CR 2405 batteries yield a
nominal voltage of 6 volts with a current of 28 milliamperes. A
first battery contact 201 placed against the negative terminal of
the battery is conductively linked to the first switch contact 16
by a first conductive strip 202. A second conductive strip 203 is
attached to the second switch contact 17 at one end and to a first
LED contact 101 of the LED 100 at its other end. The second LED
contact 102 is attached to the a battery's positive terminal at the
second battery contact 204 via a third contact strip 205.
[0027] As noted above a pair CR 2016 battery may be used in place
of the pair of CR 2405 batteries, however due to the thickness of
the CR 2016 batteries the pair should be placed side by side within
the casing as shown in FIG. 2. The CR 2016 battery yield a nominal
forward current 90 milliamperes. A 90 milliamperes forward current
may exceed the maximum 60 milliamperes forward current of the
"ESM-3070" LED 100, therefore a resistor 206 should be integrated
into the third contact strip to limit the current.
[0028] Illustrated in FIG. 2 is a first alternate embodiment of the
flat card light generally designated 20. The flat card light is
constructed of a planar plastic body 21 with an edge thickness
between about 1.0 mm and about 3.5 mm and shaped to fit within the
credit card slot of a wallet and has a front edge 22 and a back
edge 23. A horizontal pressure switch 24 is formed integrally in
the planar plastic body. The pressure switch 24 lays flat and does
not exceed the thickness of the plastic body 21. A switch guide 25
is formed, or die-cut, in the plastic body 21. A first switch
contact 26 and a second switch contact 27 are affixed on opposite
side of the switch guide 25. A shaped switching arm 28 is formed on
one side of the switch guide 25 which is sufficiently flexible
along its length whereby the switching arm 28, and the first switch
contact 26 thereon, may be momentarily displaced into contact with
the second switching contact 27 thereby powering the LED array 150.
A light guide 29 may be formed on the front edge 22 wherein the
flat LED array 150 is affixed.
[0029] The power supply for the light is a group of "button" type
lithium battery 200. In this first alternate embodiment four CR
2016 batteries with a combined nominal voltage of 12 volts with a
current of 90 milliamperes are connected in series via a pair of
upper contact strips 210 and a lower contact strip 211. To power
the LED array 150 a first battery contact 201 is placed against the
negative terminal of the battery and conductively linked to the
first switch contact 26 by a first conductive strip 202. A second
conductive strip 203 is attached to the second switch contact 27 at
one end and to a first LED array contact 151 at its other end. The
second LED array contact 152 is attached to the a battery's
positive terminal at the second battery contact 204 via a third
contact strip 205 a resistor 206 may be integrated into the third
contact strip 205 to limit the current to the LED array 150.
[0030] Shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are the body cavity and cover of a
second alternate embodiment of the flat card light generally
designated 30 and constructed within a plastic cavity body 31 with
an edge thickness between about 1.0 mm and about 3.5 mm and shaped
to fit within the credit card slot of a wallet. The plastic cavity
body 31 has a front edge 32 and a back edge 33, with a flexible
pressure switch 34 integrally formed therein. The switch 34 lays
flat and does not exceed the thickness of the body 31. A switch
guide 35 is formed, or die-cut, in the plastic cavity body 31. A
first switch contact 36 and a second switch contact 37 are affixed
on opposite side of the switch guide 35. A switching arm 38 is
formed on one side of the switch guide 35 which is sufficiently
flexible, along its length, whereby the switching arm 38 and the
first switch contact 36 thereon may be momentarily displaced into
contact with the second switching contact 37 thereby powering the
LED 100. A light guide 39 may be formed on the front edge 32
wherein the flat LED 100 is affixed.
[0031] Forming the thickest portion of the plastic cavity body 31
is a raised edge 40 which substantially surrounds the plastic
cavity body 31, adjacent to substantially all of the raised edge
40, and inside the plastic body 31, is a inset shelf 41 of a height
whereby a supported cover will be aligned with the raised edge 40.
Also within the plastic cavity body 31 are several cover supports
42 of a height whereby a supported cover will be aligned with the
raised edge 40. Battery wells 43 are formed by a surrounding well
walls 44 of a height whereby a supported cover will be aligned with
the raised edge 40. A group of magnets 45 may also be affixed
through the plastic cavity body 31. A cover 46 of a size and shape
to mate with the plastic cavity body 31 is used to cover the
plastic cavity body 31.
[0032] The power supply for the LED 100 is a pair of "button" type
lithium battery (not shown) which are placed in the battery wells
43. A first battery contact 250 rests against the negative terminal
of the battery, which is conductively linked to the first switch
contact 36 by a first conductive strip 251. A second conductive
strip 252 is attached to the second switch contact 37 at one end
and to a first LED contact 101 at its other end. The second LED
contact 102 is attached to the battery's positive terminal at the
second battery contact 253 via a third contact strip 254. A
resistor 206 may be integrated into the second contact strip 252 to
limit the current to the LED 100. To serially connect the batteries
(not shown) they are placed into the battery wells 43 and a cover
contact 255 is affixed to the inside face of the cover 46 adapted
to engage the top terminal of each battery 200 in each well 43.
Shown in FIG. 4 is a third alternate embodiment of the flat card
light generally designated 50 which is constructed around a planar
plastic body 51 with a thickness between about 1.0 mm and about 3.5
mm and shaped to fit within the credit card slot of a wallet. The
plastic body 51 has a front edge 52, a back edge 53, and a
horizontal pressure switch 54 formed integrally in the back edge
53. The switch 54 lays flat and does not exceed the thickness of
the plastic body 51. A switch guide 55 is formed, or die-cut in,
the plastic body 51. A first switch contact 56 and a second switch
contact 57 are affixed on opposite side of the switch guide 55. A
flexible switching arm 58 is formed on one side of the switch guide
55 which is sufficiently flexible, along its length, whereby the
switching arm 58 and the first switch contact 56 thereon may be
momentarily displaced into contact with the second switching
contact 57 thereby powering the LED 100.
[0033] The power supply for the light is a "button" type lithium
battery 200 such as a pair of CR 2405, manufactured by Matsushita
Electric Corporation of America (Panasonic) with a combined nominal
voltage of 6 volts at 28 milliamperes stacked together with a first
battery contact 260 against the negative terminal of the battery
200 and conductively linked to the first switch contact 56 by a
first conductive strip 261. A second conductive strip 262 is
attached to the second switch contact 57 at one end and to a first
LED contact 101 at its other end. The second LED contact 102 is
attached to the a battery's positive terminal at the second battery
contact 263 via a third contact strip 264. A resistor 206 may be
integrated into the third contact strip 264 to limit the current to
the LED 100.
[0034] The battery in this configuration is replaceable and is
seated in a battery chamber 59 formed within the plastic body 51
with an entry way 60 at the back edge 53 and a removably door 61 of
a size and shape to removably mate with the entry way 60.
[0035] The card light may be operated through the momentary
engagement of the switch contacts 56 and 57 via the horizontal
pressure switch (FIGS. 1-4) or the pressure switch may be shaped to
yield a latching function thereby allowing a fixed "on" mode until
such latched switch is unlatched. Shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is a
perspective view of a first embodiment of a latching switch in the
"on" and the "off" positions, generally designated 70. The flexible
switching arm 71 is affixed at one end 72 to the plastic body 11 of
a flat card light with a free end 73. A first switch contact 74 is
affixed both to the first momentary face 75 and the underside 76 of
the free end 73, a latching hook 77 is also formed on the underside
76 of the free end 73 adjacent to the first switch contact 74. The
latching hook 77 fits into a corresponding switch catch 78 formed
on the edge 79 of the plastic body 11 and connects to second switch
contact 80 to the first switch contact (FIG. 5B) thereby switching
the flat illuminator "on". The second switch contact 80 covers a
portion of the second momentary face 81. By contacting the two
momentary faces 75 & 81 together, via moving the flexible
switching arm toward the switching catch 78 along the line of arrow
300 the circuit (shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6 & 7) may be closed and
power supplied to an LED.
[0036] Shown in FIG. 5B is the placement of the latching hook 77
within the switch catch 78 which connects the first and second
switch contacts 74 & 80 together thereby switching on the
circuit and supplying current to the LED.
[0037] A fourth alternate embodiment of the flat card light 90 is
shown in FIG. 6. The flat card light 90 is constructed around a
planar plastic body 91 with a thickness between about 1.0
millimeters and about 3.5 millimeters and shaped to fit within the
credit card slot of a wallet. The plastic body 91 has a front edge
92 and a back edge 93. A horizontal pressure switch 94 is formed
integrally in the plastic body 91. The switch 94 lays flat and does
not exceed the thickness of the plastic body 91. A switch guide 95
is formed, or die-cut in, the plastic body 91. A first switch
contact 96 and a second switch contact 97 are affixed on opposite
side of the switch guide 95. A flexible switching arm 98 is formed
on one side of the switch guide 95 which is sufficiently flexible,
whereby the switching arm 98 and the first switch contact 96
thereon may be momentarily displaced into contact with the second
switching contact 97 thereby powering the LED 100. A light well 99
is also be formed in the front edge 92 wherein a flat LED 100 is
affixed.
[0038] The power supply is placed within a inset battery chamber
500 formed within the plastic body 91. The battery chamber is open
at the edge of the plastic body 91 so that a sliding door 501, may
be removably inserted to cover the battery chamber 500. Along two
opposite edges of the battery chamber 500 are slide guides 502 into
which fit the shaped edges 503 of the sliding door 501, a textured
finger pad 504 is formed on the outside of the sliding door 501 to
assist removal of the sliding door 501.
[0039] The power supply for the light is a pair of "button" type
lithium battery 200 such as a CR 2016, or CR 2405, manufactured by
Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (Panasonic). In this
embodiment a pair of CR 2405 batteries with a combined nominal
voltage of 6 volts, and a current of 28 milliamperes, are connected
in series. A first battery contact 280 is placed against the
negative terminal of the battery and conductively linked to the
first switch contact 96 by a first conductive strip 281. A second
conductive strip 282 is attached to the second switch contact 97 at
one end and to a first LED contact 101 at its other end. The second
LED contact 102 is attached to the a battery's positive terminal at
the second battery contact 283 via a third contact strip 284. To
complete the connections a door contact 285 is affixed to the
inside face of the sliding door whereby the top battery terminals
286 & 287 are connected.
[0040] A pair of CR 2016 batteries may be used in place of the pair
of CR 2405 batteries, this will yield a combined nominal 6 volts
and a current of 90 milliamperes. When using a the CR 2016
batteries, the current may exceed the forward current of the LED
100 and a resistor 206 should be integrated into the second contact
strip 282 to limit the current.
[0041] A fifth alternate embodiment of the flat card light, shown
in FIGS. 7A-7E, generally designated 110, is constructed around a
planar plastic body 111 of a thickness between about 1.0
millimeters and about 3.5 millimeters and shaped to fit within the
credit card slot of a wallet. The plastic planar has a front edge
112 and a back edge 133. A dual function pressure switch 114 is
formed integrally within the planar plastic body 111. A switch
guide 115 is formed, or die-cut, in the plastic body 111. A first
switch contact 116 and a second switch contact 117 are affixed on
opposite side of the switch guide 115. To switch "on" and "off" the
LED 100 a flexible switching arm 118 is formed on one side of the
switch guide 115.
[0042] The flexible switching arm 118 is sufficiently flexible
whereby the switching arm 118 and the first switch contact 116
thereon (FIG. 7C) may be displaced. For momentary activation of the
LED 100, the angular contact edge 300 of the first switch contact
116 is moved against the angular contact edge 301 of the second
switching contact 117 (FIG. 7D) thereby momentarily powering the
LED 100. To latch the LED 100 "on" (FIG. 7E) the flexible switching
arm 118 is displaced sufficiently to urge the angular contact edges
301 & 302 past each other, whereby when the displacement ceases
the angular contact edges 300 & 301 catch each other.
[0043] Each battery 200 of the power supply is mounted through the
top face 119A of the plastic body 111 within an inset battery
holster 120. The battery holster has a top stirrup 121 an under
footing 122 and a loading ramp 123. In FIG. 7B the mounted
batteries 200 can be seen partially visible through the bottom face
119B resting above the under footing 122, and loading ramp 123 and
under the stirrup 121.
[0044] The power supply for the light is a pair of "button" type
lithium battery 200 such as a CR 2016, or CR 2405, manufactured by
Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (Panasonic). A first
battery contact 290 is held against the negative terminal of the
battery and conductively linked to the first switch contact 116 by
a first conductive strip 291. A second conductive strip 292 is
attached to the second switch contact 117 at one end and to a first
LED contact 101 at its other end. The second LED contact 102 is
attached to the battery's positive terminal at the second battery
contact 293 via a third contact strip 294. To complete the
connections a body contact 295 is affixed between the two loading
ramps 123 with a first link contact 296 attaching the negative
terminal of one battery 200 to the positive terminal of the other
battery 200.
[0045] Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus
without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved,
it is intended that all matter contained in the above description,
as shown in the accompanying drawing, the specification, and the
claims shall be interpreted in an illustrative, and not a limiting
sense.
* * * * *